In article ,
JGS jgs123@comcast^dot^net wrote:

Hi Bruce

Without a doubt, you are referring to SARTs (Search And Rescue (Radar)
Transponders

Link he
http://www.gmdss.com.au/survival.htm

The SOLAS GMDSS regulations are structured such that all GMDSS ships are
required to carry a minimum set of equipment, with (basically) more
equipment being required the further the ship travels from land.

SARTs are a requirement for any SOLAS GMDSS certified ship. One SART if
under 500 GRT, 2 SARTs if over 500 GRT.

So for the OP, the concept (while a different implementation) isn't new, the
technology is already in place.

The following link gives a pretty darn good description of GMDSS regulations
and why they were put into place. It makes an interesting read.

http://www.gmdss.com.au/index.html

Regards
JGS

Yep, used to Inspect them when doing Yearly Required SOLAS Inspections.
It was always fun to watch the Lifeboat Drill, when they were out
running around with the Transponder turned on. On one of the ARPA
Screens, the SART would lay down a track on the screen, wherever
they went. Alot different then back in the old days when the crew
had to demonstrate the GibsonGirl HF Transceiver Pack, during Lifeboat
Drills.

Bruce in alaska
--
add a 2 before @